Contributions to the tribute of Elaine L. Gates

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Saturday, June 15, 2024

I never thought of Elaine Gates as a person who could ever leave this Earth. She was always a vibrant burst of energy. I only found out about her passing as I was reading through my new School Music News, which I don’t always get a chance to read and noticed that her article and photo was TBA. I googled her name to find this sad news. I was a student at NYU in the Music Ed. Program in 1993. Elaine was like family to all of us. Her door was always open to talk to and get help with anything. I am heartbroken for her family and friends that lost such a beautiful soul. She is at peace making music in Heaven looking out for all of us as she always did. She was a wonderful teacher, friend and person. She will be missed greatly. May she rest in peace.

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Vanessa Cuomo posted a condolence

Monday, October 23, 2023

In March I search Facebook for Mrs. Gates and messaged her. I really wish she had seen this. Hi Mrs. Gates. I was a student at Washington Elementary School in Huntington Station, NY for kindergarten through sixth grade (1976-1983) before graduating Huntington High School in 1989. My mother (Elia) was a teacher’s aide to Mrs. Kafka at Washington El before finishing her degrees and becoming a Spanish teacher and ultimately ESL teacher at the high school. I could go on for days about the impact you have had on my life but today I decided to look you up and tell you that I have spoken of your teachings often. I watched my daughter’s high school choir compete today and listened to the judge’s critiques - telling the students that what he was asking of them was quite advanced and thought to myself “I’ve known that since elementary school from Mrs. Panic/Gates. Again, I could go on and on - if you’re ever interested feel free to reach out. In the meantime thank you for all you do. She obviously had many accomplishments but I hope she and her family know so much of her lives on in all the people she impacted and as they pass on her teachings. Love and strength to all.

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Marilyn Pigott posted a condolence

Saturday, October 14, 2023

I have fond memories of Mrs. Panic starting a children's chorus/ choir at Trinity Episcopal Church back in the 60s-70s. She loved the children, and they her. We all loved her and as parents, appreciated her dedication. God Bless her and may she Rest-In-Peace. Marilyn Pigott

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Sue Wright lit a candle

Friday, October 13, 2023

Wow, hearing the news and seeing Elaine's photo brings back so many memories of rehearsals, performances, traveling, marching, etc. She was my 5th grade music teacher at Jefferson Elementary School in Huntington, NY. She invited me to audition for the yet unnamed Uncle Sam Singers. The few years that we had as a chorus of pre-teens and teens hold a special place in my heart. Her passion and enthusiasm were infectious and we all worked hard to give our very best. If I recall, there were 275 kids in the chorus. We started out in a variety of indoor and outdoor venues in our hometown and then began to perform in unexpected places like Albany and Atlantic City. She loved us and we all loved her too. When I sing now as an actor, I always remember her lessons and advice.... open your mouth to two fingers, imagine a string pulling the back of your head for hitting the high notes, put the ending consonant onto the next word if it starts with a vowel, etc. She really stressed proper diction and losing any accent. We sang such a variety of songs too, from old standards to experimental original pieces. I always looked forward to Wednesday nights. I'm sure others share the deep sense of gratitude for having been her student. I send love and gentle hugs to her family and friends. Rest easy, Elaine. You are a star and you will be missed.

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Jennifer Sepez lit a candle

Friday, October 13, 2023

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The family of Elaine L. Gates uploaded a photo

Friday, October 13, 2023

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Tom Gellert posted a symbolic gesture

Thursday, October 12, 2023

Elaine has been such a driving force in music education and it is hard to imagine not being able to chat with her about all things revolving around the teaching of music to children. So many of my fellow Huntingtonians knew Elaine not only through the general music classroom at the Southdown and Nathan Hale elementary schools but also through membership in groups like the wonderful "Uncle Sam's Singers" dating back to the bicentennial year celebration in 1976! Both of my parents were actually chaperones for that now famous trip by the 150+ children's chorus members to sing at the MENC Eastern Division Conference in Atlantic City. More importantly, my youngest sister Marianne was a member of that group and it has been a fond memory for her now almost 50 years later! What some folks may also not know is that a budding young composer and electronic synthesist musician/teacher named Herbert Deutsch (another Huntingtonian who we fondly remember), wrote a patriotic medley for Elaine's "Uncle Sam's Singers" that was performed at that very event! Elaine never stopped her pursuit of teaching music and as we all grew older she remained at the forefront of our connection to music education. There was no retiring for Elaine ... she was tireless and devoted to kids. Much of my interaction with Elaine also included time spent with Elaine's husband Henry, too. They were inseparable and because music was a common bond that they had with one another it was rare to ever encounter them individually. One thing about getting older that is painful is the reality that your heroes, the folks you looked up to, the ones who set an example for you to follow and who mentored you along, eventually pass on and there is at first deep sadness. In Elaine's case though (Henry's, too) there is an everlasting candle burning in our hearts. Elaine was a force of nature the likes of which only comes around once or twice in life. Henry, too! Just two of the most amazing folks! Our love goes out to Elaine's family during this most difficult time. May the memories of happier times with Elaine (and Henry) help to comfort you moving forward. With love, Tom Gellert

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Cheryl Kaye posted a condolence

Thursday, October 12, 2023

To many great memories to list. she was a rare breed of educator who would extend herself to help any one, She saved me, just that simple. My diverse love and appreciation for music starts with her. To Patti, Shelley and Heather, your mom was one in a million, she will forever hold a special place in my heart. May her memory always bring a smile to everyone she touched.

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Elise Sobol uploaded photo(s)

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Elaine as music professor, supervisor, choral conductor, mentor, colleague and friend was always enthusiastic and supportive. Here is a photo when she and Henry visited Elise Sobol’s music program at the Nassau BOCES Rosemary Kennedy School, in the photo she is happy and surrounded with love by her pre service music teachers from LIU Post. This is one of the many blessed memories that will be everlasting.

Nolan Funeral Home, Inc.

Elaine L. Gates

1928 - 2023

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Peter J. Nolan
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Martin S. Kohler
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Douglas R. Robinson
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John S. Rannazzisi, Jr.
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Eric W. Friszell
eric@nolanfh.com

Affiliations

Rotary International
Kiwanis International
Metropolitan Funeral
Directors Association
Nassau-Suffolk Funeral Directors
National Funeral Directors Association
New York State Funeral Directors Association

Nolan Funeral Home, Inc.

Elaine L. Gates

1928 - 2023

Visitation at Funeral Home

Visitation

Funeral Service

Explore

HomeCalendarAbout UsPre-PlanningGrief SupportLocal Resources

Contact

​5 Laurel AvenueNorthport, NY 11768-3166P: (631) 754-2400F: (631) 261-6190

Director Emails

Mark J. Nolanmark@nolanfh.comPeter J. Nolanpnolan@nthfh.comMartin S. Kohlermarty@nolanfh.comDouglas R. Robinsondoug@nolanfh.comJohn S. Rannazzisi, Jr.john@nolanfh.comEric W. Friszelleric@nolanfh.com

Affiliations

Rotary InternationalKiwanis InternationalMetropolitan Funeral Directors AssociationNassau-Suffolk Funeral DirectorsNational Funeral Directors Association New York State Funeral Directors Association

Home
Calendar
About Us
Pre-Planning
Grief Support
Local Resources

5 Laurel Avenue
Northport, NY 11768-3166
P: (631) 754-2400
F: (631) 261-6190

Mark J. Nolan
mark@nolanfh.com
Peter J. Nolan
pnolan@nthfh.com
Martin S. Kohler
marty@nolanfh.com
Douglas R. Robinson
doug@nolanfh.com
John S. Rannazzisi, Jr.
john@nolanfh.com
Eric W. Friszell
eric@nolanfh.com

Rotary International
Kiwanis International
Metropolitan Funeral
Directors Association
Nassau-Suffolk Funeral Directors
National Funeral Directors Association
New York State Funeral Directors Association